This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
Kenya's Ministry of Education has joined forces with UNESCO to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators. The programme, which will run for the next four months, will broadcast mentorship lectures on Basic and Applied Sciences to all students across the country.
Every Saturday, accomplished professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) will deliver a series of lectures to students through Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) television and radio stations, as well as community radio stations. The lectures will take place between 10 am and 10:30 am, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage with experts in the field.
According to Dr. Alice Ochanda, Programme Specialist at UNESCO, the mentorship lectures will give students valuable insights into the implications of Science and mathematics in their lives and career opportunities. 'Girls shy away from STEM subjects because they are socialized to believe that they are the preserve of men,' Dr. Ochanda said, highlighting the need to bring girls back to STEM and STEM-oriented careers.
The programme, which will reach over 10 million secondary and primary school learners, aims to sustain students' interest in STEM by linking them with role models in the STEM professionals through online interactions and continuous access to mentorship services. Dr. Ochanda emphasized that the programme also provides students with life and survival skills to enable them to overcome gender stereotypes and negative masculinities that prohibit them from exploiting their full potential in STEM subjects.
Published on July 10, 2020, this initiative is a testament to the Ministry of Education's commitment to providing students with access to quality education and inspiring the next generation of innovators and scientists.
